A pair of fans’ favourites will be back at Derwent Park next season after agreeing permanent moves to promotion-chasing Workington Town.

Caine Barnes and Dec O’Donnell have signed for Town on a permanent basis after enjoying successful campaigns in the blue and white this year.

Barnes signed for his boyhood club on loan from Wigan Warriors in December and the former Seaton Rangers junior has scored four tries in 19 appearances since then.

The young forward also proved popular during a short spell with the club last season when he scored six tries in 12 games.

Director of rugby Gary Murdock said: “Caine is a fantastic young local talent that the club has always been keen to retain.

“Despite interest from other clubs and Wigan’s intention to keep Caine, we are delighted he’s agreed to sign for Town."

Barnes began his career with Seaton when he was eight years old and was snapped up on an academy scholarship with the Warriors in 2014.

He signed a professional contract with Wigan in August 2017.

“He’s a dedicated and committed player with fantastic attitude and skills so we are delighted he sees his future at the club," Murdock added.

Versatile O’Donnell joins from Leigh, having scored six tries in 15 appearances since signing for Town on loan from the Centurions in one of Chris Thorman’s first moves after taking over as the club’s head coach in May.

O’Donnell said: “The club have been brilliant with me since I joined on loan.

“It’s a good place to be around, a close-knit club and I’m really enjoying my rugby playing with a great bunch of lads.

“I’m looking forward to seeing out the rest of the play-offs and giving my all for Town now and next season.”

His performances earned praise from Thorman earlier this season when an injury crisis meant he was forced to fill in in a number of positions as a utility man.

Thorman said: "He’s becoming a real asset for us whether he plays nine, loose forward or in the halves.

“You know he can play as a middle and front rower as well so he’s been a decent acquisition for us."